Management of Fungal keratitis in pediatric patients

Abstract

Context: Fungal keratitis is an uncommon infection with high morbidity in pediatric patients. Trauma is the most common risk factor for infection in children. Thus, rapid diagnosis should be made by scoring clinical features and mycological examination. This review discusses the management of fungal keratitis in pediatric patients. Evidence Acquisition: In this narrative review, the most recently published data on pediatric fungal keratitis, respective prominent signs and symptoms, etiologic agents, diagnosis and treatment of this infection have been reviewed. Results: Laboratory methods such as investigation of smear by potassium hydroxide and staining and cultural and molecular methods can be helpful in the diagnosis. Treatment of this infection with improved outcome is challenging. Medical therapy (topical and systemic treatments) is the first choice of treatment, but early surgical intervention and removal of the infected tissues are critical for effective cure. Lack of response to these therapies requires corneal transplantation. Unfortunately, loss of useful vision rate was found in patients even with treatment by antifungal agents. Conclusions: The signs and symptoms of fungal keratitis are similar to those of other microbial keratitis. Use of diagnostic methods and early treatment are helpful for recovery in infected pediatric patients.